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Deep down, I know he would never do this. But I cannot push down the fierce possessiveness that roars through my veins. Freyja is mine. Even if she does not know it yet.
He leads me through the gardens and to the clearing near the temple. What should be a secluded place is full of at least a dozen warriors. Each of them observing intently as she moves with deadly and lethal grace, wielding her sword as flame licks along the blade.
She is truly magnificent and stunning to behold. Primal instincts surge through me, and I growl in warning at my warriors as I pass them to reach her. Each of them bows low in deference. “Leave us,” I command, and each of them fly away immediately, including Brovyn.
The rational part of my mind knows that they are not rivals for her hand. But the primitive darkness that unfurls deep within me does not care. She is my T’kara—my Fated One, and she will be mine before the next moon cycle. I swear it to the wind and sky.
I start toward her, my heart pounding as I approach. She is so lovely it nearly breaks me.
“Freyja,” I call her name and her head snaps to me.
She drops her sword and rushes toward me, launching herself into my arms.
I catch her around the waist and hold her close, reveling in the feel of her body pressed to mine.
“Thank the gods you’re all right.” She wraps her arms around my neck, hugging me with a strength I’d not thought her people possessed. “I was so worried about you.”
I pull back just enough to meet her gaze, frowning. “Do you think me so weak that I could not handle a few pitiful Elves?”
She purses her lips. “I know you are strong. I’ve never doubted that, Aurdyn.”
“Good.” I tip up my chin with pride at her words. “And I cannot have my future queen thinking I am weak.”
“Aurdyn, I—” she starts, but I put a finger to her lips.
“I will prove myself to you, Freyja.” I stare deep into her eyes. “I will show you that I am worthy to be yours. But until then, there are things I have learned that must be discussed.”
Worry mars her features. “What is it? What did you discover?”
“On my way to Ithylian, I saw Prince Aegryn of Kolstrad marching his army to Florin. They were traveling with a Mage and at least a dozen Wraiths in their formation. I believe he was controlling them.”
She inhales sharply. “Why would the Mages do this? I don’t understand.”
“They want power and now they’ve found a way to take more.” I give her a grim look. “I believe they seek to turn the human kingdoms on each other. And once they have conquered and united all the human lands under their absolute rule, they will turn their gaze to the rest of us.”
“We must warn my cousin—King Edmynd—before they reach Florin.”
“I am sure he is being informed even now as we speak.” If Varys wishes to foster his alliance with his new brother-in-law, he probably sent a raven to Florin as soon as I left.
“How do you know this?”
“King Varys has recently taken the King Edmynd’s sister—your cousin, Inara—as his mate and Queen.” Her eyes widen. “She is his Fated One, just as you are mine.”
“Inara is married to the Dark Elf King?” she asks, distress evident in her features. “How could Edmynd give her over to that monster?” She takes my hand. “Aurdyn, we have to save her. We cannot leave her with him. He’ll—”
“Varys is not a monster, and they appear quite taken with each other.” Her mouth drifts open and I cup her cheek. “Do you know that she was just as worried for you, when I told her about us, as you are for her right now?”
“That’s ridiculous.” She frowns. “You wouldneverhurt me.”
Pride fills my chest at her complete trust. “And I can assure you that Varys will not harm her either. She is just as precious to him as you are to me.” A pink bloom spreads across her cheeks, and I drop my forehead gently to hers. “I would not have left her with him if I thought otherwise.”
I continue. “I told them about Prince Aegryn’s army, and I am sure they have already sent a raven to Florin to warn them.”
“Thank goodness,” she murmurs.
“I also told them about... how we met.”
She lowers her gaze, swallowing hard. “Inara… did she know that I had been imprisoned? That I’d been accused of witchcraft?”
